Tensioning device



May 8 1951 K. c. BUGG 2,552,086

TENsIoNING DEVICE Filed April 12, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet l IN VEN TOR.

May 8, 1951 K. c. BUGG 2,552,086

TENsIoNING DEVICE Filed April l2, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 K. C. BUGG TENSIONING DEVICE May s, 195i s sheets-sheet 5 Filed April 12. 1949 IN V EN TOR.

By/e 675299,

Patented May 8, 1951 TENSIONING DEVICE Kenly C. Bugg, Fort Wayne, Ind., assignor to HBN Company, Inc., 'Fort Wayne, Ind., a corporation of Indiana Application April 12, 1949, serial No. 87,672 22 claims. (01.242-128) This invention pertains to a tensioning takeoi device, and more particularly, to such a device adapted to be associated with a wound spool, or other container, of wire, thread or the like, which is so constructed land arranged as to maintain a substantially constant tension on the wire or thread as it is being unwound.

In machines for winding coils (windings) or transferring Wire from a storing spool or other container to work, difculty has been encountered in applying and maintaining a proper tension on the wire being Withdrawn so that the wire is fed to the work in the proper and desired manner, and also so that it is withdrawn from its storage spool in such a manner that there is no over-reeling which would cause undesirable slack at the spool and mighteven cause backlash.

The same difficulty is encountered in textile machines, particularly in those wherein thread is taken off at a high speed, or variable speeds or where it is taken off periodically, such as in machines for knitting or weaving. In such machines above referred to, it is not always desirable or practical to unreel the wire or thread in a uniform manner. The undesirable difculties are particularly noticeable and critical where wire or thread is being dereeled at high speeds. Indeed, there are some instances in the radio and television elds Where the manufacture of devices embodying windings hasnbecome an appreciable bottleneck, due to the fact that the Wire cannot be dereeled satisfactorily from its spool at a speed greater than substantially 75 R. P. M. There are many instances Where it is desirable to dereel at speeds greater than 3,600 R. P. M. The dereeling difficulties become greater in proportion to the decrease in diameter of the wire or thread, and, of course, it is very undesirable that breakage should occur while the Wire or thread is being dereeled.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a tensioning device wherein the tension is maintained constant and there is no overreeling (no slack induced) regardless of the speed of dereeling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device wherein a change or variation of speed, tension or pressure during dereeling does not in anyway affect the successful dereeling, that is, does not cause over-reeling or over-riding.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device so constructed and arranged that it may be set properly for various pressures or speeds of the wire or thread being dereeled and at no time is proper dereeling affected.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tension device wherein the tension is applied to the wire or`thread in a directionV angularly disposed with, respect to the longitlldllll axis of the Wire or thread. As an example, there are many yarnswhich are formed of bers which are disposed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the thread and where such yarn is used with applicants tensioning device, the tension is not such as to pull only in a longitudinal direction, but is applied at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the thread so that there is only a component of the tension directed in the axial direction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device wherein pressure is applied by the tensioning device to the material being dereeled in a direction diagonally of the axis of the material which is being dereeled, thereby absolutely controllingthe 'material being dereeled, regardless of the conditions of. speed, pressurev or tension.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tension device'for controlling dereeling of wire, thread or the like wherein the travel of the wire, thread or the like, is in a circular direction and axially of the spool, the spool remaining stationary during dereeling so that a constant tension is applied at all times to the material being de# reeled and there is no necessity to overcome any spool inertia.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device wherein tension is adapted to be applied to material being dereeled from a spool, the device being so constructed and arranged that the spool is maintained in a stationary position during dereeling so that the inertia of the spool does not afT'ect the withdrawal of the material therefrom.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device`adapted to be associated with a spool of material to be dereeled, which device is so constructed and arranged that the dereeling of the material from the spool on which it is stored does not rotate the spool by the action of dereeling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device adapted to be associated with a spool from which material is to be dereeled, wherein the method and means of applying the tension to the material being withdrawn from the spool, is such as to be the least injurious to the material being withdrawn, that is, the area of contact of the material being dereeled and the contacting pressure of' the tensioning device or shoe is at an optimum, that is, is greater than where the material is dereeled in the conventional manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device adapted to be associated with a spool for controlling dereeling of material therefrom, the device being so constructed and arranged that it may be readily lubricated in the path of the, take-olf, or may be associated with means for coating the material being dereeled.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning; device adapted to be readily and quickly associated with. a spool of material to be dereeled and wherein such spools may be rapidly changed. 1

Another object of the invention is to prox/idea tension device which is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain and fuliills 211.11; requirements; of manufacture and service.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device which may be. usedwth any type of wire, that is, the wire may be plain, coated, or wrapped as with a thread or plastic covering. the device being so constructed and arranged that, in dereeling the` covering of the wire will; not becomeloosenedor damaged. For example,v where used-,with a wirewhich is spirally wrapped with a covering,v the; tensioning device is adapted' to bes used withAv the wirein such a manner that the tension is applied across the spiral, thus preventing separation between the adjacent coils of the.` spiral wrapping. Where the device is used with an enamell coated wire, the device in operation does not damage the coating.

Another object. of. the.` invention isto provide a tensioning device so constructed and arranged that the area of pressure between the device and the material being dereeled, is. such that there is a minimum of' tendency for the material being dereeledf to be pulled apart ordamaged, no matter what material is used.

Another object of the invention isA to. provide a tensioningdevice for .maintaining a selected tension on materi'albeing4 withdrawn from a storage container.

Another object of' the invention isY to provide a tensioning-device wherein wire, thread and the like can be` controlled during dereeling, regardless of whether the speeds of dereeling are constant or varying, the control being withA a minimum change in tension or resistance to dereeling.

Another object off the invention is to provide a dereeling' and tensioning mechanismv for the i wire, thread or the like being d'ereeled which is applicable to an end take-off from a storage spool, wherein the wire, thread ory the like does not tend toL lag i-n back of its take-off angle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning devicewherein the` tension pressure applied to the material being d'ereeledv is easily and accurately adjusted to the conditions of use or the material with which used.

Another object ofl the invention is tol provide Y" a dereeling tensioning device wherein at least a portion of the tension means thereof is inthe form of a ring which may.v beA of a. material selected for the optimum friction control ofthe material' being dereeled".

Another object of the invention. is. to provide a tension device wherein theV friction ring may be adjusted quickly and' exactly; or may be set in a predetermined manner for the best condition required for dereeling.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tension device wherein the. inertia of the overrun ofthe material being dereeled is controlled and reduced to a minimum.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tension device which. lends itself to be manufactured from various materials, for the best conditions of manufacture and operation.

'Another object of the invention is to provide a" tensioning device for controllingwire, thread or the like being dereeled from a storage spool or other storage container, wherein the tension means does not have a. tendency tolag the material being-dereeled so that the tension or pressure which is applied to the material being dereeled is constant throughout the entire dereeling operati.0,11..as.f0r example, through the entire range of dereeling from a full spool to an empty spool.

Another object of' the invention is to provide av tensionvl device wherein one setting of the device maintains the tension applied to the material being dereeledT at a constant, without the necessity of readjusting the device while it is in use.

With these and various other objects in view, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction and operation as will be more fully described and particularlyY pointed out in the specication, drawings and claims appended hereto.

In the drawings which illustrate anembodiment of the device and wherein like reference characters are used to designate like parts- Figure 1 is aA sectional elevationy of a form of wirev take-offv tensioning device embodying the invention, the figure showing the tensioning de- 4vice in one position of adjustment;

Figure 2 is a sectional' plan view taken substantiallyin the plane as indicated by the line 2 2 ofFigure i;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of the device illustrated in Figure l, showing the tensioning device in another form of adjustment;

Figure 4, is a fragmentary, sectional plan view taken substantially in the plane asindicated by the line 4 4 of Figure 3';

Figure 5 is a sectional plan view corresponding to Figure 2, but showing another form of ring ,device used in tensioning devices;

Figure 6 is a top plan view, more or less diagrammatic, of the tensioningy device illustrated in Figuresr 1 to 4, inclusive, illustrating particularly the variations in the angle of take-ofi between a full spool and one from which the Wire has been substantially dereeled;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of a modified form of tensioning device embodying the invention;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary, sectional elevation of another modified form of tensioning device embodying the invention; and

Figure 9 is a fragmentary, top plan view of the tensioning device illustrated in Figure 8.

It is contemplated that the tensioning device herein may be utilized with any spool, reel or other storage means wherein wire, thread or other elongated material is stored and thereafter withdrawn for use. As an example, a storage container may be used wherein layers of the thread-like material are stored and withdrawn either through an eye or over an area, or the material may be stored on a reel', spool or cone. As an example of use, thread may be withdrawn from a spool or cone for use in the textile industry, or wire may be withdrawn from a spool, reel or other storage receptacle for the use of making parts of devices as in electrical or fabrication fields.

For the purpose of this application the storage device will be referred to as a spool, and the material to be withdrawn therefrom will be designated as wire, and whilel it will be seen that the devices shown are disposed so that the spool is on a vertical axis and the wire is withdrawn in a vertical', upward direction, it isv of course understood that. thevv device may be utilized so that the Y be in any direction.

In the tensioning .device as illustrated, base plate 20, shown with the major portion as circu- Y lar in plan, is provided with the spool or reel receiving stud 22 fixed in said base as at 24 either permanently or detachably, the axis of the stud extending substantially normal to the plane of the base 2U and being provided adjacent the upper end of said stud with the shoulder 26 above which the threaded end 28 extends. Base 20 is provided with the extension or bracket 38 to which the eye-supporting stud 32 is secured, as

at 34 either permanently or removably, the axis Vof stud 32 being parallel to the axis of stud 22.

Stud 32 extends upwardly a predetermined distance and is provided with the shoulder 36 providing a low limit for the adjustable eye supporting arm 38 which is slidably mounted adjacent one end thereof on stud 32, being adapted to be fixed in the proper position on said stud by securing means 48. The other end of said arm 38 is provided with the guide eye 42 which is either fixed in said arm or adjustable with respect thereto, the axis of said eye coinciding with the axis of stud 22 and the surface dening the opening in the eye being preferably an inwardly directed arcuate surface such as the inner surface of a torus.

The storage reel or spool 44 is of the usual construction comprising the center cylindrical drum 46 having the cylindrical passage 48 extending therethrough, the ends of the spool being cornpleted by the spaced fianges 58 and 52, the wire 54 being wound on the drum 44 between the stud 22 passes through passage 48 of said spool,

and shoulder 26 may project slightly above the top plane of the top flange 52 of said spool, as Viewed in Figure 1, or it may not, in which case plate 56 is supported on flange 52.

stantially as illustrated by the dotted line 56 in Figure 6, and the innermost layer, that is, the one directly on the drum 44 is illustrated by the dotted line 58 in Figure 6.

In the forms of the device illustrated in Figv ures 1 to 6, inclusive, when spool 44 is in position yas illustrated in Figure l, and as above described,

the spool may be prevented (positively) from rotating, that is, maybe maintained in fixed position on stud 22 by pin 58 secured to the base 20 and received in a suitable passage 62 or 64 provided on the ends of the spool (depending on which flange engages base 20). The wire tensioning means comprises the lower guide plate 66 which is circular in plan, being provided with the central aperture 59 adapted to receive the upstanding end 28 of stud 22. Plate 66 is either Supported on shoulder' 26 or top flange 52 and the plane of `plate 66 is normal to the axis of stud 22 and continues for substantially `the diameter of the spool flanges 58 (and 52) having a downwardly directed arcuate peripheral edge, flange orsurface 58, which may be the outer surface of a torus, the peripheral edge 63 exitending below the flange 52, wherebyv the Vflange 52 is embraced by edge 68. For the optimum ease of dereeling at all positions of the wire flange 68 should extend half way of the wire winding, but ithas been found that this is not necessary so lower and upper plates 66 and 18 are shown as Before dereeling the outer layer of wire is disposed subidentical so as to be interchangeable. The opening defined by the inner free edge 'I2 of arcuate fiange 68 of plate 66 is preferably of larger diameter than flange 52 to facilitate assembly. The upper guide plate 'l0 is provided, similar to and interchangeable with plate 66, @being circular in plan and provided with the arcuate peripheral flange 'i4 of the same dimensions as flange 68, the plane of said plate 10 from threaded end 28 (receiving hole 15) to flange 14 being also normal 'to the axis of stud 22.

A substantially cylindrical flexible expansion element 16 is interposed between plates 66 and l2, being circular in plan, and provided with the central passage ll through which the securing end 28 passes. An annular ring (of substantially torus shape) 18, having an inside diameter less than the diameter of plates 66 and 12, is disposed around element 'I6 and between plates 66 and T8, and in the construction illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, this ring is of rigid material and is torus.

In the construction illustrated in Figure 5, ring 88 used in place of ring 'i8 is or resilient, flexible material chosen for its friction characteristics,

as well as material, and may deform as illustrated in Figure 5 `under the pull of the wire 54 while it is being dereeled. Where ring I8 is used it preferably has a hard surface, particularly where it is used with wire, to prevent wear, but it may be flexible, particularly to facilitate initial dereeling movement. Where a flexible ring is used, as where thread or fabric is dereeled it is of material which itself is resistant to the thread or fabric.

A hold down (fastening and adjusting) means such as the thumb nut 82 is adapted to be threaded on the threaded end 28, and may be adjusted to a position where it fixes plates l0 and 66 but does not appreciably deform or expand the spacing member '18, or it may be turned down such as shown in Figure 3 to a position wherel the spacing element 16 is substantially compressed permitting plates 12 and 66 to be located closer to each other, thereby increasing tension on the wire 54 as it is led around peripheral flange 68 and then inwardly and around the inner arcuate surface of ring 18 (or 80) and therefrom around peripheral flange 74 to and through the eye 42 to the mechanism utilizing the material being dereeled.

It will thus be seen that during dereeling operation the wire is taken o from the spool endwise thereof causing the wire to travel around the periphery of guide plate 66 and l2, oscillating the ring 18 (or 80) as the wire is being dereeled, and in the embodiment shown, it will be noted (Figure 6) that the critical angle of wire take-off illustrated between lines 84 and 56 is shown for a certain size spool having a certain number of wire windings as substantially 26. This angle is determined by the angle formed between the projection 84 of a line formed by the wire in running from the last layer on the spool hub to the point it turns over plate 66, and the projection 86 determined by the projection of the wire from its turn over plate 'l2 v to the eye. This critical angle (and the angles formed as the wire is dereeled from all layers) is such that the wire never tends to lay in back of the take off angle.

However, the relative position of the wire as it passes over flange 68 through ring'lS and around flange 'f4 remains substantially unchanged during dereeling. The tension maybe adjusted by means of the thumb nut 82 and f,once yit is adjusted will remain constant iuntil readjusted ias it `is not dependent upon ythe position of the wire being dereeled. It is `also to be noted that in initiating movement ofthe wire dereeling the rigid ringcan move radially compressing the -resilient element TB permitting the tension to be momentarily relieved to facilitate lstarting or ring 80, if used, may operate in a 'similar manner.

In the construction shown in Figure 7, the tensioning lmeans comprises the lower guide plate 88, which is circular in plan, and is provided with the central aperture 85 adapted to receive the threaded end 28 of stud 22 whereby plate 88 is supported on shoulder 26 (or top flange 52). Plate ,88 is provided with a central .surface 90 which'is in a plane normal to the axis of stud 22 but is flared adjacent the end thereof as at 92, terminating at its outer periphery with the arcuate f flange 94 extending downwardly and embracing the adjacent ilange 52 of the reel 44. A top `guide plate 96 preferably of the same dimensions and shape as plate -88 is likewise centrally apertured as at 9| for reception of the threaded end 28 of stud 22 and is provided with-the central surface 98 (similar to surface 90) disposed in a plane normal to the axis of stud 22 flaring as at |00 adjacent its outer periphery and terminating at `its outer periphery with the arcuate flange |02.

The -flared ends 92 and |00 provide -a guideway, and plates 88 and 96 are spaced apart either by `a rigid orilexible, cylindrical spacing member |04 centrally apertured as at |05 for the reception of the threaded end 28. Ring |06, having a lesser inside diameter than that of plates 88 and 96 is interposed between said plates providing a tension element, the diameter of the ring body as shown being greater than the space between the central planes 90 and 98 of plates 88 and 96 so that the eccentric or oscillatory movement of the ring |05 is limited by the spacing between the diverging portions 92 and |00 of said guide plates. This ring may be rigid and flexible as is ring y'I8 or may be resilient and flexible as ring 80.

As before, the wire to be dereeled is led around flange 94, which preferably extends over flange 52 (as in the case of flange 68) around the inside surface of ring |06, and around arcuate flange |02 passing upwardly to the eye which is disposed as the guide eye 42, so that the axis of the eye coincides with the axis of stud 22. The operation of this device is otherwise the same as `the 'device illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, Vand a `:pin similar to pin 60 may be used to x positively the spool `|14. If Va rigid spacing member |04 is provided, once the device is assembled the tension is set.

If a flexible spacing member |04 similar to member 16 is provided, then the tension may be varied by the thumb nut '82 which will then control the spacing of diverging flanges 92 and |00 Which controls the eccentricity of operation of ring |06. As before, ring |06 may either be `rigid and flexible as ring 18, or may be resilient and flexible, such as ring 80 as shown in Figure 5, in which case it will deform as illustrated in Figure 5 during dereeling operation, butin any event material used in the various rings and the adjacent engaging parts of the device should be such that `there is rno `tendency for sticking of the wire.

In the device illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, as before, spool .44 is assembled on stud 22 and the plane of flange 52 of said spool maybe disposed 'at or near the plane .of shoulder 26. The ten- `,shown as similar to plate 65, but,of course, it may take the configuration of plate 88, said plate being circular in plan, and being in a plane normal ito the axis of stud 22 terminating at its .outer edge in a downwardly directed arcuate or circular flange ||0, the lower edge of which prefer-- ably Yextends below flange 52. An upper yguide plate l||2 is provided of substantially the .same dimensions and shape as plate |00, the plane Ythereof being normal tothe axis of stud 22 and terminating in an upwardly directed arcuate flange ||4. A spacing member ||6 is disposed between guide plates |08 and ||2, said spacing member being substantially cylindrical and determining the spacing ybetween plates I 08 and ,I l2.

A ring yl I8 of lesser linternal diameter than zthe ,diameters of plates |08 and H2 is disposed Lbetween said plates, "the eccentricity thereof being determined by spacing member IIB. Ring H18 may either be rigid and flexible as in the vcase of yring 18, or may be resilient and flexibleasiring Y80, and in order to facilitate threading of vthe wire 54 from the spool through ring ||8 after vit has Vpassed around flange H0, a tab v|20 :may .be provided on ring H8 for manipulating said ring. If a rigid ring A| I8 is used the material of spacing member I6 is preferably resilient and -if the material of ring ||8 is flexible, member 6 may 'be rigid, Aall for `the purpose described in previous modifications.

In order to Aprovide a device wherein the pre- -load setting is ilxed and cannot be varied after assembly, a bushing `|22 may be formed -so that its Yupper and lower flanges |124 and '|26 embrace the outer surfaces of plates I2 and |08, thereby permanently assembling the tensioning means, the bushing having thecentral cylindricalportion |23 passing through central passage |20 of mem- -ber H6, said portion |28 having passageway |32 adapted to receive the threaded end 28 of stud 22, thumb nut 82 being suitably tightened to fasten the assembled tensioning means to stud Y22.

As before, wire 54 to be dereeled, passes -over vflange H0, through ring H8 around flange ||4 upwardly to the centrally disposed guide eye, Asimilar to eye 42, the axis of ywhich is located von the axis of stud 22. As before, the operation of this device is similar to that already described with respect to Figures l to 5, inclusive, depend,- ing upon whether a rigid or flexible ring |I8 is used, and it is also understood that plates |08 and ||2 may have flared outer peripheries and positioned with respect to the guide ring as guide plates and 98, as illustrated in Figure '7, in which case the operation would be the same as the device illustrated in Figure 7.

It is to be understood that this application is not to be limited by the exact embodiments of the device shown, which are merely by way of illustration and not limitation as various and other forms of the device will, of course, be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

I claim;

1. A dereeling device comprising a base plate, a reel receiving a positioning stud secured to said base plate and adapted to receive a reel having wire wound thereon in spiral layers and adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means above said reel for leading said wire from said reel in a direction axially of said reel, said means including spaced, substantially circular plate members sering *and around the outside of the other plate member to said eye.

2. A dereeling device comprising a base plate, a reel receiving and positioning Vstud secured to said base plate and adapted to receive a reel having wire wound thereon 'in spiral layers and adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means above said reel for leading said wire from said reel in a direction axially of said reel, said means incl'uding' spaced, substantially circular plate meinbersv 'secured to said stud, an annular, rigid ring disposed between said spaced plate members, the diameter of said ring being less than that of saidl plate members, and a Wire guiding eye supported on said base plate in spaced relation to said plate members, the axis of said eye beingY aligned with the axis of said reel, the wire from said reel passing around the outside periphery of the plate member adjacent the reel, around the inside of the ring and around the outside of the other plate member to said eye.

43. A dereeling device comprising a base plata, a reel receiving a positioning stud secured to said base plate and adapted to receive a reel having wire wound thereon in spiral layers and adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means above said reel for leading said Wire Afrom said reel in a direction axially of said reel, said means including spaced, substantially circular plate members secured to said stud, an annular, iiexible, ring disposed between said spaced plate members, the diameter of said ring .being less than that of said plate members, and a wire guiding eye supported on said base plate in spaced relation to said platemembers, the axis of said eye being aligned with the axis of said reel, the wire from said reel passing around the ouside periphery of the plate member adjacent the reel, around the inside of the ring and around the outside of the other plate member to said eye.

4. A dereeling device comprising a base plate, a reel receiving and positioning stud secured vto said base plate and adapted to receive a reel having wire Wound thereon in spiral layers and adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means aboveA said reel for leading said Wire from said reel in a direction axially oisaid reel, said means in-v cluding spaced, substantially circular plate meme bers secured to said stud, a resilient, substantially cylindrical spacing expansion element disposed between said plate members, an annular ring disposed between said spaced plate members, the diameter of said ring being less than that of said plate members, and a rwire guiding eye supported on said base plate in spaced relation to said plate members, the axis of said eye being aligned with the axis of said reel, the wire from said reel passing; around the outside periphery of the plate member adjacent the reel, around the in'- side of the ring and around the outside `of the other plate member to said eye, and means for moving said plate members toward each other compressing said expansion element, enlarging the diameter thereof thereby varying the tension. on the wire being dereeled.

spaced relation to said of said Veye being aligned with the axis offsaidf *5, 'A dereeling deviee'coinpriszg a' base plate;

ing spaced, substantially circular plate membersl secured to said stud, a resilient, substantially cylindrical spacing expansion element .disposed between said plate members, an annular rigid ring' disposed between said spaced vplate members, the diameter of said ring being less th'an that of said plate members, and a wire guidingeye supported on said base plate in spaced relation to said plate members, the vaxis ofv said eye being aligned with the axis of said reel, the wire from said reel passing around the outside peripher'y of the plate member adjacent the reel,- around the inside of the ring and around the outside of the other plate member to said eye,

and means for moving said plate members to- Ward each other compressing said expansion element, enlarging the diameter thereof thereby varying the tension on the Wire being dereeled.

6. A dereeling device comprising a base plate, a reel receiving and positioning stud secured lto said base plate and adapted to receive a reel having Wire Wound thereon in spiral layers andv adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means 'above said reel for leading said Wire from said reel in a direction axially of said reel, said means including spaced, substantially circular plate members secured to said stud, a resilient, substantially cylindrical spacing expansion element disposed between said plate members, an annular fie'xib'le ring disposed between said spaced plate mem'- bers, the diameter of said ring being less than that of said plate members, and a wire guiding eye supported on said base plate in spaced relai' tion to said plate members, the axis of said leye being aligned with the axis of said reel, the wire from said reel passing around the outside periphery of the plate member adjacent the reel, around' the inside of the ring and around the outside of the other plate member to said eye, and means for moving said plate members toward each other compressing said expansion elementenlarging the diameter thereof, Vthereby varying the tension on the wire being dereeled.

*7. A dereeling device comprising a base plate, a 'reel receiving and positioning stud secured to said base plate and adapted to receive a reell having Wire wound thereon in spiral layers and adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means above said reel for leading said Wire from said reel in a direction axially of said reel, said means including spaced, substantially circular plate members secured to said stud, means securing said' plates together in xed relation to each other, an annular ring disposed between said spaced platey members, the diameter of said ring being lessI than that of said plate member's,` anda 'Wire guiding eye supported on said base plate in plate members, the axis reel, the 'Wire from said reel passing around thel outside periphery of the plate member adjacent the reel, around the inside of the ring eye.

8. A dereeling device comprisingv a base plate;

and around, the outside of the other plate member 'to 'said asaaose adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means above said reel for leading said wire from said reel in a direction axially of said reel, said means including spaced, substantially circular plate members secured to said stud, spacing means between said plate members, said plate members having parallel portions in planes normal to the axis of the reel, the outer periphery of said plate members diverging from the parallel planes and terminating in oppositely directed arcuate flanges, an annular ring disposed between said spaced plate members, the diameter of said ring being less than that of said plate members, and a wire guiding eye supported on said base plate in spaced relation to said plate members, the axis of said eye being aligned with the axis of said reel, the wire from said reel passing around the outside periphery of the plate member adjacent the reel, around the inside of the ring and around the outside of the other plate member to said eye.

9. A dereeling device comprising a base plate, a reel receiving and positioning stud secured to said base plate and adapted to receive a reel having wire wound thereon in spiral layers and adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means above said reel for leading said wire from said reel in a direction axially of said reel, said means including spaced, substantially circular plate members secured to said stud, a resilient, substantially cylindrical spacing expansion element disposed between said plate members, said plate members having parallel portions in planes normal to the axis of the reel, the outer periphery of the plate members in the parallel planes terminating in oppositely directed arcuate flanges, an annular ring disposed between said spaced plate members, the diameter of said ring being less than that of said plate members, and a wire guiding eye supported on said base plate in spaced relation to said plate members, the axis of said eye being aligned with the axis of said reel, the wire from said reel passing around the outside periphery of the plate member adjacent the reel, around the inside of the ring and around the outside of the other plate member to said eye, and means for moving said plate members toward each other compressing said expansion element, enlarging the diameter thereof, thereby varying the tension on the wire being dereeled.

10. A dereeling device comprising a base plate, a reel receiving and positioning stud secured to said base plate and adapted to receive a reel having -wire wound thereon in spiral layers and adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means above said reel for leading said wire from said reel in a direction axially of said reel, said means including spaced, substantially circular plate members secured to said stud, a resilient, substantially cylindrical, spacingexpansion element disposed b-etween said plate members, said plate members having parallel portions in planes normal to the axis of the reel, the outer periphery of the plate members in the parallel planes terminating in oppositely directed arcuate flanges, an annular, rigid ring disposed between said spaced plate members, the diameter of said ring being less than that of said plate members, and a wire guiding eye supported on said base plate in spaced relation to said plate members, the axis of said eye being aligned with the axis of said reel, the wire from said reel passing around the outside periphery of the plate member adjacent the reel, around the inside of the ring and around the outside of the other plate member to said eye, and

lli

l2 means for moving said plate members toward each other compressing said expansion element, enlarging th-e diameter thereof, thereby varying the tension on the wire being dereeled.

l1. A dereelingdevice comprising a base plate, a reel receiving and positioning stud secured to said base plate and adapted to receive a reel having wire wound thereon in spiral layers and adapted to be dereeled therefrom, means above said reel for` leading said wire from said reel in a direction axially of said reel, said means including spaced, substantially circular plate members secured to said stud, a resilient, substantially cylindrical, spacing expansion element disposed between said plate members, said plate members having parallel portions in planes normal to the axis of the reel, the outer periphery of the plate members in the parallel planes terminating in oppositely directed arcuate flanges, an annular, flexible ring disposed between said spaced plate members, the diameter of said ring being less than that of said plate members, and a wire guiding eye supported on said base plate in spaced relation to said plate members, the axis of said eye being aligned with the axis of said reel, the wire from said reel passing around the outside periphery of the plate member adjacent the reel, around the inside of the ring and around the outside of the other plate member` to said eye, and means for moving said plate members to- Ward each other compressing said expansion element, enlarging the diameter thereof, thereby varying the tension on the wire being dereeled.

l2. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed members having complementary, facing adjacent arcuate surfaces in close proximity to each other, spacing means interposed between said pair of members, and means between said arcuate surfaces for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces.

13. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed members having complementary, facing adjacent arcuate surfaces in close proximity to each other, spacing means interposed between said pair of members, and means for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces.

14. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed, circular members having oppositely disposed, arcuate peripheral surfaces disposed in close proximity to each other, spacing means interposed between said circular members, and means for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces.

15. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed, circular members having oppositely disposed, arcuate peripheral surfaces disposed in close proximity to each other, spacing means interposed between said circular members, and means disposed between said circular members fol` guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces.

16. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed, circular members having oppositely disposed, arcuate peripheral surfaces disposed in close proximity to each other, resilient, cylindrical spacing means interposed between said circular members, means for compressing said resilient spacing means to move said circular members toward each other, a rigid ring of torus shape interposed between said circular members for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces.

17. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed, circular members having oppositely disposed, arcuate peripheral surfaces disposed in close proximity to each other, resilient, cylindrical spacing means interposed between said circular members, means for compressing said resilient spacing means to move said circular members toward each other, a rigid ring of torus shape interposed between said circular members for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces, said ring having a sectional diameter less than the space between said circular members.

18. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage :means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed, circular members having oppositely disposed, arcuate peripheral surfaces disposed in close proximity to each other, resilient, cylindrical spacing means interposed between said circular members, means for compressing said resilient spacing means to move said circular members toward each other, a rigid ring of torus shape interposed between said circular members for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces, said ring having a sectional diameter greater than the space between said circular members, adjacent said spacing means.

19. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed, circular members having oppositely disposed, arcuate peripheral surfaces disposed in close proximity to each other, resilient, cylindrical spacing means interposed between said circular members, means for compressing said resilient spacing means to move said circular members toward each other, a flexible ring interposed between said circular members having an inside diameter less than the diameter of said circular members for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces.

20. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed, circular memf bers having oppositely disposed, arcuate peripheral surfaces disposed in close proximity to each other, resilient, cylindrical spacing means interposed between said circular members, means for compressing said resilient spacing means to move said circular members toward each other, a rigid ring of torus shape interposed between said circular members for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces, said ring having an inside diameter less than the diameter of said circular members for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces.

21. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxaposed, circular members having oppositely disposed, arcuate peripheral surfaces disposed in close proximity to each other, resilient, cylindrical spacing means interposed between said circular members, means for compressing said resilient spacing m-eans'to move said circular members toward each other, a rigid ring of torus shape interposed between said circular members having an inside diameter less than the diameter of said circular members for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate siufaces, said ring having a sectional diam-eter less than the space between said circular members.

22. A tensioning device adapted to be associated with storage means for wire, said device comprising a pair of juxtaposed, circular members having oppositely disposed, arcuate peripheral surfaces disposed in close proximity to each other, rigid, cylindrical spacing means interposed between said circular members, means for fastening said circular members and spacing means whereby said circular members are ixed apart, a rigid ring of torus shape interposed between said circular members for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces, said ring having an inside diameter less than the diameter of said circular members for guiding the wire being withdrawn from the storage means over said arcuate surfaces.

KENLY C. BUGG.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 846,342 Smith Aug. 27, 1907 903,616 Sturtevant Nov. 10, 1908 1,048,889 Ryden Dec. 31, 1912 1,080,739 Walsh Dec. 9, 1913 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 653,822 Germany Dec. 6, 1937 659,027 France Jan. 29, 1929 

